The Electoral Register

Versions of the electoral register

What is the full register?

The full register includes everyone who is entitled to vote. The law states who can have a copy of it and what it can be used for. This includes:

Electoral purposes

Prevention and the detection of crime

Credit reference agencies

Who can see the full register?

It is a criminal offence for anyone who has access to the full register list to pass it on to anyone else or to use it for any other purpose. Credit reference agencies are allowed within the law to purchase the electoral register to verify your address should you apply for credit.

What is the open register (also know as the edited register)?

The open register is a duplication of the full register, the difference being names and addresses of people who have opted out are not included.